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Fallon County pursues dispatcher certification, EMD and tailored refresher training
Summary
Commissioners directed staff to pursue dispatcher certification and emergency‑medical‑dispatch (EMD) training for 911 personnel, explore web‑based tailored refresher options, and identify at least three vendor/price proposals so training can be funded from 9‑1‑1 or DES budgets.
County dispatch leadership briefed commissioners on certification and training needs for emergency communications staff, including the Montana Law Enforcement Academy two‑week certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) credentialing, and ongoing refresher training.
Dispatch leadership said two employees are signed up for state academy sessions (one in July and one in October) and recommended exploring web‑based, tailored refresher courses that could be shaped to local dispatch center operations rather than national-scale curricula designed for larger centers. Commissioners asked staff to procure at least three training options and price points and to consider using 9‑1‑1 and DES budgets to cover recurring costs; the dispatch supervisor said she would attempt to absorb some costs in her training budget but would bring options to the commission.
The group also discussed EMD certification specifically, noting past local choices to stop offering EMD because of perceived liability; staff said they would re-evaluate and, where appropriate, get employees EMD‑certified. Commissioners supported ongoing refresher training and asked for proposals that include tailored modules (radio procedures, report-taking best practices and CAD usage) and a plan for recordkeeping of completions and remedial training.
No formal ordinance or vote was required; commissioners asked staff to return with cost estimates and vendor options for training.
